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Scientists develop novel RNA- or DNA-based substances to protect plants from viruses

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg developed novel RNA- or DNA-based substances that reliably fight off viral infections in plants. The new approach uses antisense oligonucleotides to target specific viral RNA molecules, achieving an impressive up to 90% success rate against a common virus.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Spatial model predicts bumblebee exposure to pesticide use

A spatial model predicts pesticide exposure in bumblebees, explaining nearly 75% of the spatial variation. The model uses data on pesticide application and crop characteristics, but not flower attractiveness or chemical persistence.

SourceEmory University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Revolutionary breakthrough in nitrile activation unveils promising pathway for anticancer precursor synthesis

Researchers have developed a novel method to produce a selective anticancer precursor substance. The synthesis involves the reaction of metal-active oxygen species with nitrile, utilizing cost-effective metals at lower temperatures. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities in developing innovative drugs against cancer.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJACS Au·DateDec 28, 2023

Why do some people get headaches from drinking red wine?

Researchers found that quercetin in red wine can cause headaches due to its interference with alcohol metabolism, leading to high levels of acetaldehyde. The study suggests a new hypothesis for why some people experience red wine headaches, particularly those with pre-existing migraine or primary headache conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

Sunflower extract fights fungi to keep blueberries fresh

Researchers found that sunflower stem extracts can prevent gray mold in blueberries by destroying the fungus's plasma membrane and preventing it from forming biofilms. The extracts protected almost half of the berries from mold growth over six days.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 25, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Chemicals from maize roots influence wheat yield

Researchers from the University of Bern found that maize roots secrete chemicals that improve soil quality and increase wheat yields. The study demonstrates potential for using specialized plant compounds to enhance crop productivity through variety-specific rotations.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

New method has promise for accurate, efficient soil carbon estimates

Researchers developed a new method to estimate soil organic carbon stocks in agricultural fields, reducing the number of samples needed by 30%. The approach uses doubly balanced sampling and accounts for auxiliary information available in elevation maps, satellite images, and previous surveys. By improving soil sampling efficiency, thi...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalGeoderma·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

EU research program to increase shelf-life of berries

A €2.5million European research programme, FRIETS, is increasing the shelf-life of berries through high-precision agriculture and innovative processing methods while maintaining quality. The four-year project combines precision agriculture strategies with dehydration and edible coating methods to discover healthier food alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·TypeNews article·DateMay 15, 2023

Without this, plants cannot respond to temperature

Scientists at UC Riverside identify microRNA as a key player in plant temperature responses and growth, revealing its essential role in sensing environmental changes. The discovery has significant implications for increasing crop yields in diverse environments and adapting to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2023

DOE renews CABBI for five more years

The DOE has committed $237.9 million to the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) for a five-year extension, continuing groundbreaking work toward U.S. energy independence. Researchers will develop fuels and products by integrating three highly interconnected priority areas.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·DateMar 17, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

What makes brown rice healthy? Decoding the chemistry of its nutritional wealth

Researchers at Okayama University have identified cycloartenyl ferulate as the main contributor to brown rice's health-promoting effects. The compound's antioxidant properties help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to benefits such as weight reduction and improved cholesterol levels.

SourceOkayama University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

Speeding up sugar's conversion into fuel

University of Queensland researchers have found a way to more efficiently convert sugarcane into isobutanol, a chemical used in fuels, plastics, and food additives. The cell-free method produces at least 10 times the amount of isobutanol as traditional methods, offering higher yields and more control over the production process.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateJan 16, 2023

Toward net-zero emissions nitrogen fertilizers

Researchers propose alternative fertilizer production methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but emphasize the need for careful environmental assessment. The global food supply depends on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which require significant energy and lead to carbon pollution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

University of Missouri is helping the aviation industry go “green”

MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateNov 9, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

A smoky solution — for plants

Researchers have made a surprising discovery that liquid smoke can enhance plant defense against pests and diseases, leading to new farming practices. The study found that sunflowers grown in soil treated with liquid smoke had larger, thicker, and greener leaves and appeared less prone to pests and disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 19, 2022

Sugary poo could be used to lure destructive plant pests to their doom

Researchers discover that male spotted lanternflies are strongly attracted to the smell of honeydew produced by male conspecifics, emitting specific sex-attractant profiles. This finding may lead to the development of new pest management tools to reduce the population and spread of this invasive species.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Insect Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2022

Study: Communities of color at greatest risk of pesticide exposure in Ventura County, Calif.

A new study by Environmental Working Group finds that communities of color in Ventura County are disproportionately exposed to pesticides, threatening their health and well-being. The study analyzed over 340,000 pesticide application records and found that farmworkers and their families face the greatest risk of pesticide exposure.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study shows that getting pesticide reduction policies right is crucial for food security

Researchers explored agri-food and environmental implications of Shanghai's pesticide use reduction policy, finding that imposing the policy at district level reduced crop acreage but alleviated pollution in water resources. The study suggests regional-level implementation can improve outcomes while maintaining food security.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalFundamental Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 22, 2022

Broadening the scope of epoxide ring opening reactions with zirconocene

Researchers at Waseda University demonstrate a novel zirconocene-catalyzed epoxide ring-opening reaction under visible light, expanding the reaction scope and regioselectivity. The approach enables accessible synthesis of elusive alcohol products with improved efficiency and environmental sustainability.

SourceWaseda University·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New cocoa processing method produces fruitier, more ‘flowery’ dark chocolate

A new cocoa processing method called moist incubation has been found to produce a fruitier and more flowery-tasting dark chocolate compared to traditional fermentation. The method involves rehydrating dried, unfermented cocoa nibs in an acidic solution and heating them for 72 hours before re-drying.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 27, 2022

New estimation strategy improves soil carbon sampling in agricultural fields

Researchers developed an estimation strategy to maximize accuracy while minimizing cost of soil carbon sampling, leveraging publicly available data. The new approach reduces the number of samples needed by up to 28% compared to random selection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalGeoderma·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 29, 2022

New software to help discover valuable compounds

A new app called Metaboseek has been developed to streamline the analysis of comparative metabolomics data, helping researchers identify valuable compounds. The app was created by a postdoctoral research associate and is now essential to his lab's work.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Chemical analysis reveals effects of wildfire smoke on grapes and wines

A new study led by Phil Crews at UC Santa Cruz identifies a method to measure smoke-derived compounds directly, providing practical guidelines for winemakers. The analysis of over 200 samples found that two biomarkers were not useful and recommended replacing them with different ones.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateMar 11, 2022

Sustainable bioeconomy: Development of environmentally friendly bio-shampoos and plant protection agent technologies

A new study examines the toxic impact of bio-based substances and innovative technologies on the environment, finding both biosurfactants and microgels as highly promising candidates for use in sustainable products. The results highlight the importance of integrating green toxicology into bioeconomy strategies.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New kid on the block: Cerium oxide nanozyme joins the pesticide detection taskforce, according to Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis study

Scientists develop a sensitive electrochemical detector using cerium oxide nanozyme to identify organophosphate pesticides in plants. The method provides an unprecedented wider linear range and a detection limit of 0.06 mmol/L, making it suitable for detecting trace amounts of pesticide residues.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

First dicamba-resistant waterhemp reported in Illinois

Researchers have confirmed a Champaign County waterhemp population is resistant to dicamba, with a 65% control rate. The population shows signs of metabolic resistance, activating detoxification genes before the chemical can harm. This finding raises concerns about the potential for broader herbicide resistance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateNov 29, 2021

No to the re-approval of glyphosate – Large aerial dispersal confirmed

A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.

SourceBündnis für eine enkeltaugliche Landwirtschaft e. V.·JournalEnvironmental Sciences Europe·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Weed goes off script to resist herbicides

University of Illinois researchers discovered waterhemp's unique mechanism to detoxify the herbicide SA3, adding complexity to controlling this weed. This finding raises concerns about the potential for waterhemp to resist new herbicides before they are even commercialized.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNew Phytologist·DateOct 5, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

University of Idaho awarded $18.9M for deep soil research facility

The Deep Soil Ecotron will enable scientists to conduct experiments on columns of soil up to three meters deep, improving understanding of how deep soil organisms react to unprecedented conditions and sequester carbon. The facility will also be used to develop sensors to monitor deep soils in the field.

SourceUniversity of Idaho·DateSep 28, 2021

A simple method opens access to new fluorine-containing heterocycles

Researchers at Ural Federal University developed a simple method to produce fluorine-containing heterocycles, which are promising building blocks for medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry. The new compounds were found to be highly chemically active and selectively entered into various reactions.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalMolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

University of Illinois researchers develop inexpensive hydrolysable polymer

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a cheap, hydrolysable polymer called poly(hindered urea)s (PHUs), which can be designed to degrade over time. This material has potential applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and packaging, offering advantages over traditional hydrolyzable polymers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 2, 2014

Ice cream sensations on the computer

Scientists used 'Temporal Dominance of Sensations' technique to visualize perceptions while eating vanilla ice cream. Key findings include the role of hydrocolloids in eliminating cold-ice sensation and enhancing creaminess.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·DateJun 4, 2014
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

When To Pick A Peck Of Pungent Peppers? When The Peck's At Its Peak

A new chemistry analysis reveals the optimal time for harvesting pungent peppers, with Piquin peppers requiring 40 days and De árbol and Habañero peppers needing 50 days. The hot flavor of chile peppers is caused by capsaicinoids, which degrade over time due to naturally-occurring compounds called peroxidases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 20, 1998
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.